Big Tree Loop Trail,
Oregon Caves National Monument
The Big Tree Loop Trail is a steep hike with several switchbacks — the trail is mostly shaded with Douglas Firs, Big Leaf Maple, Canyon Oak and Tan Oak. This is a good trail for a family that wants to experience nature for a fun day out. The trail crosses Panther Creek and depending on the time of year there is an abundance of wildflowers throughout the hike. The trail is named after the largest Douglas Fir tree in Oregon — the tree is 13ft in diameter.
Elevation
The Big Tree Loop Trail has a maximum elevation of 5,092 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,084 ft. and an elevation range of 1,008 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 3.4 mi | 4,084 ft | 5,092 ft | 1,008 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 1.6 hrs | 71.6 | 859 ft | 949 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 1.6 hrs | 79.1 | 949 ft | 859 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Big Tree Loop Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Holland, OR
- North Topo Map: Kerby Peak, OR
- Northeast Topo Map: Williams, OR
- West Topo Map: Takilma, OR
- Topo Map: Oregon Caves, OR
- East Topo Map: Grayback Mountain, OR
- Southwest Topo Map: Polar Bear Mountain, CA
- South Topo Map: Deadman Point, OR
- Southeast Topo Map: Figurehead Mountain, CA
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Big Tree Loop Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
What is the length of the Big Tree Loop Trail?
The length of the trail is 3.4 miles (5.4 km) or 7,427 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Big Tree Loop Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 1.6 hours in one direction and in 1.6 hours in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) may be present in this area. The Rocky Mountain wood tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, and Tularemia.
- The Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) may be present in this area. The Western blacklegged tick transmits Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.